DUTY OF CARE

Cognita expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safeguarding and child safety. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment within Cognita is confirmed.

All Cognita job holders have the responsibility to adhere to and ensure compliance with our child protection policy and procedures at all times.

All our employees who are involved in the recruitment of staff are trained in interview skills with a specific focus on safeguarding.

References

If you are applying for a position which involves working with children, we will take up two references in advance of inviting you to interview. If you are applying for a role in one of our Regional Offices, we will enquire with one of your references in advance of interview and a further enquiry will be made upon offer. All successful candidates will be subject to a minimum of two satisfactory references which must include your current, or most recent, employer.

Background Checks

Identity Checks

We will check your identity when you attend an interview/before your commencement. Only original documents will be accepted.

Right to Work

We will check your eligibility to work in the country to which you are applying, in accordance with the local law operating. Only original documents will be accepted.

Verification of Professional Qualifications

You will be required to provide evidence of any educational or professional qualifications necessary or relevant to the post you have applied for. Originals or certified copies must be produced; when not available, written confirmation of the relevant qualifications should be obtained from the awarding body.

Criminal/Police Record Checks

It is a condition of any offers of employment that you are deemed suitable to work in this post, and accordingly your employment remains subject to any appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service check (if you have lived in the UK). It is essential and a mandatory condition that you undergo criminal and/or police record checks from all countries where you have lived and/or worked.

Medical Fitness

All successful applicants upon offer of employment will be required to complete a pre-employment Health Declaration to ensure that you are both physically and mentally fit to carry out the role you have applied for. Health conditions should be declared in order to consider reasonable adjustments.

Probationary Period

Your employment will be subject to a probationary period, which allows you and the Company/School to jointly become acquainted with the environment, working practices, routines and standards of performance. During this time we will assist you in developing positive relationships and achieving the required progress. You will also undergo a variety of training during your probationary period including Child Protection and an understanding of the policies and procedures which we believe support our commitment to Teaching Excellence.